All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United are eyeing a late transfer window swoop for Club Brugge starlet Noa Lang.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from The Telegraph, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been been watching the 21-year-old ahead of a potential move this summer, although they are set to face intense competition to try and land him.

And writing recently on Twitter, The Athletic’s Phil Hay said: “They like Lang and that’s a genuine link but they haven’t actually made a concrete move for him.”

Now, Sport/Voetbalmagazine (via Sport Witness) claim that Leeds remain interested in signing Lang before deadline day, but that Brugge are looking for a massive bid to let him leave.

Bielsa will be buzzing

Able to play anywhere across the frontline, Lang showed Jadon Sancho-like abilities in his loan spell at Brugge last season, bagging 17 goals and providing a further 11 assists in just 37 games, including netting in the Champions League.

With that impressive goal-scoring record, and the fact he still remains very young at just 21, a move for Lang would be extremely exciting not just for Bielsa but for the club’s fans too.

Dubbed a “phenomenon” by Belgian journalist Peter Vandenbempt, the winger made history when he became the first player in 60 years to mark his debut with a hat-trick for Ajax, while his teammate at Brugge, Cyriel Dessers, has even admitted that Leeds’ interest in the flier is not the least bit surprising.

He said: “He is absolutely ready for the Premier League. He was fantastic last season. Then it is logical that there is a next step.  I would love to see him in the Champions League with Club Brugge, but he has shown that he is one of the best footballers in Belgium.

“He is a graceful footballer, but he also works very hard. I often sat on the bench, so I could keep an eye on him there. But the way he works, I didn’t know he had that in him. He has really taken a step. The interest does not come out of nowhere. I know how Leeds work.”

If the Whites can pull off a late transfer window deal for Lang, then Bielsa will surely be buzzing.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing this Premier League record breaker…

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on Aston Villa transfer target Rafinha, and he could well be an exciting upgrade on Marvelous Nakamba.

What’s the story?

According to reports in Spain, Paris Saint-Germain are ready to let the midfielder leave this summer in order to raise some funds for their own signings, with Dean Smith’s side possibly coming in for the Brazilian.

Writing on Twitter, Romano has said: “There’s nothing between Rafinha and Fenerbahçe – not even contacts or talks. All parties involved are denying. And there’s no chance for Turkish or Russian clubs to sign Rafinha: he’s decided to stay at Paris Saint-Germain until January. #PSG #Fenerbahçe #transfers”

He’s a Nakamba upgrade

Talking about the 27-year-old, his former Barcelona team-mate Andreu Fontas once said: “Rafinha is a great player. Physically, he is a beast and, technically, he is superb.”

As per WhoScored, Rafinha boasted an impressive 90.9% pass accuracy in Ligue 1 last season (considerably better than any Villa player with more than one start), while he also averaged 2.3 tackles per match (only Matty Cash fared better in Smith’s squad with 2.5).

The £13.5m-rated technician could bring that same fearlessness and intensity both on and off the ball to Villa Park should Smith land his man this summer.

Aside from averaging far more tackles than Nakamba’s 1.9 in the Premier League, his ability to dictate the play means that he looks a perfect fit to anchor the midfield and also provide the springboard for attacks.

His Brazilian connection with Douglas Luiz could also help him hit the ground running, and they could strike up a formidable partnership in the middle of the park with Nakamba in the shadows.

Meanwhile, Preece has also confirmed this major Aston Villa boost…

Aston Villa’s Under-23’s defeated Stoke City 8-0 on Monday evening in the Premier League 2. 

And a number of Villa supporters were quick to flock to the club’s official social media post following the win.

Villa went to the top of the second division after the big win, with Mark Delaney naming a strong side full of young talent.

An own-goal gave Villa the lead early on after good work from Aaron Ramsey, with Jaden Philogene-Bidace netting a hat-trick and brothers Caleb and Carney Chukwuemeka each scoring twice.

Summer signings for the academy Josh Feeney, Tim Iroegbunam and Finley Thorndike also featured on Monday, along with a trialist.

Villa fans react

Villa praised the Under-23’s in their official Twitter post on social media, naming the scorers in their tweet.

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many sharing their positive thoughts at the score and one labelling the club’s turnaround as ‘amazing’.

“Wow – we really do have some great young players coming through.. The future is bright.. The future is claret and blue!”

Credit: @jonpgrant

“Incredible result”

Credit: @davecave8

“The turnaround at #Villa is simply amazing. From the owners to the academy the club is being managed & run incredibly well. Never been so excited to be a Villa fan. Something big is stirring at Villa Park.”

Credit: @in2thesurf

“Not only are the first team flying at the moment, the academy is absolutely unreal! The future is incredibly bright at Villa Park!”

Credit: @ajhilton7

“This crop of young players is ridiculous.”

Credit: @stansleftpeg

“My god, said they shouldn’t have turned up with Carney and JPB playing. Unfair.”

Credit: @matty__jeff

In other news: ‘Magnificent’ £75k-p/w Aston Villa star now watched by ‘big six’ club.

Crystal Palace reporter for The Athletic, Matt Woosnam, believes that the versatility of new signings Marc Guehi and Michael Olise is a plus for the Eagles.

Guehi signed a five-year deal at Selhurst Park and is comfortable playing as a centre-back, but has also featured as both a left and a right-back throughout his career. The defender was an important player for Swansea City last season as he featured in 45 games for the Swans in all competitions.

Olise also has a lot of first-team experience as he featured for Reading 46 times in all competitions, scoring seven goals and creating a further 12, and only didn’t feature in two of the Royals’ Championship fixtures last campaign against Luton and Preston where he was on the bench.

The 19-year-old is comfortable playing off either wing, as well as playing more centrally in an attacking midfield role, and also signed a five-year deal with Palace.

Woosnam believes that the versatility that both Guehi and Olise offer is a plus for the club, telling Football FanCast: “I think versatility is something that Palace would probably benefit from. I think to some extent Marc Guehi is a relatively first style defender he can play in a back five or three and also a back four.

“Michael Olise, again he wasn’t signed for that purpose but he can play on the right, I think he played there quite a lot for Reading sort of coming inside from the right or he can play centrally.”

Patrick Vieira has been busy in the summer window since taking charge of Crystal Palace, as alongside Guehi and Olise, Palace have also completed deals for Jacob Montes, Joachim Anderson and Conor Gallagher.

Fraser Forster has reportedly rejected a new deal at Southampton, which will surely concern Ralph Hasenhuttl considering the lack of goalkeeping options at St Mary’s.

What’s the word?

According to The Scottish Sun, the 33-year-old shot-stopper has rejected a reduced deal at St Mary’s, which opens the door to a potential return to Celtic this summer.

The Hoops have been linked with the English ‘keeper in recent weeks after his impressive performances on loan there in the 2019/20 season, although Hasenhuttl had suggested earlier in the summer that he and Alex McCarthy would be competing for a starting spot in his side during the 2021/22 campaign.

Could Forster leave Southampton?

Forster is one of the top earners at Southampton but spent the majority of last season on the bench, before an impressive run of form in the FA Cup led Hasenhuttl to give him more opportunities in the Premier League.

The former England international would make 13 appearances in total for the Saints, eight of which came in the Premier League, where he averaged a solid 6.70 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Southampton have already sold Angus Gunn to newly-promoted Norwich City, so if Forster were to depart on loan or a permanent deal this summer, it would leave Hasenhuttl with very few options in the goalkeeping department, with young Harry Lewis perhaps not ready to deputise for McCarthy.

It is no surprise that Celtic want Forster to return, given his performances there during the 2019/20 seasons, which led French defender Christopher Jullien to sing his praises in 2019, saying:

“There are no words! There are no words to describe that. He’s been unbelievable since he’s come here.”

“At the end of every game, I tell him he’s the best goalkeeper I’ve played with. I’m so happy to have him behind me. He just makes so many saves.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

Therefore, unless Southampton can bring in a new goalkeeper, it is bad news for Hasenhuttl that Forster has reportedly rejected this new deal, as it would leave the Austrian’s squad looking even thinner if the 33-year-old were to depart this summer.

And, in other news… Southampton dealt huge transfer blow with “exceptional” transfer target

According to journalists Jack Rosser and Dan Kilpatrick of The Evening Standard, Tottenham Hotspur and Fabio Paratici now have eyes for Denmark sensation Mikkel Damsgaard after the alleged signing of Cristian Romero.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing forward additions?

Much has been made of Tottenham’s need for defensive reinforcements with football.london reporting they would ideally like to sign two new centre-backs this summer.

As well as Cristian Romero, who Spurs have now signed according to reliable reports, they have been linked with the likes of Conor Coady and Takehiro Tomiyasu recently.

However, Tottenham also need to strengthen in the attacking areas and have their sights set on doing so after completing the Romero agreement.

The Latest: Tottenham now have eyes for Damsgaard…

As per Rosser, who shared his article with Kilpatrick in The Evening Standard on Twitter, Spurs are looking at Sampdoria ace Damsgaard as another possible new signing this summer.

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“Tottenham looking at more creative players after Romero signing,” Rosser explained on social media.

“Mikkel Damsgaard and Noni Madueke two they’re keeping an eye on but would likely have to sell first.”

Indeed, as explained in their piece, Tottenham are interested in signing the 21-year-old this summer but his price tag of €50 million (£42.5m) means players will have to go out the door first.

The Verdict: Would be incredible…

The attacking midfielder is, arguably, one of the most promising youngsters in world football going by his exploits at the Euros and praise at domestic level.

Damsgaard’s sensational free-kick against England in the semi-finals at Wembley was a showcase of his real ability and it’s little wonder Sampdoria have slapped a hefty price tag on his head.

He has also been called a ‘very exciting player’ by Italian football expert Conor Clancy (via This is Futbol), and if Spurs can offload deadwood to make up his £42.5m asking price, we strongly believe Spurs should make a move.

In other news: Tottenham set sights on signing yet another defender, he is ready for move away…find out more here.

Manchester City right-back Yan Couto has turned down the chance to sign for Celtic, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, translated by Sport Witness.

The Lowdown: Couto saga

Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas has been on top of the Hoops’ pursuit of Couto, claiming last Wednesday that Celtic still had hope of signing the Brazilian.

The 19-year-old attended Celtic Park last Thursday for Celtic’s Europa League qualifier against Jablonec and was reportedly pleading for a Glasgow loan after receiving the VIP treatment.

However, Thomas revealed on Monday that Celtic have now turned their attention to Legia Warsaw’s Josip Juranovic, admitting the push to sign Couto came to nothing.

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The Latest: Portuguese report

According to O Jogo, relayed by Sport Witness, Liga Nos side Braga are close to signing Couto.

The report claims that the teenager actually turned down the chance to join Celtic.

He now looks set to join Braga, who won’t have the option to make a loan move permanent next summer.

The Verdict: Celtic snubbed

It seems as if Couto snubbed CEO Dominic McKay when it came to joining Celtic, despite reports admitting he was desperate for a move to Scotland.

It shouldn’t come as a major blow, as the club have now made strides in their pursuit of Juranovic.

A £2.5m fee has been agreed for the Croatia international, who now looks set to fly to Scotland on the weekend to tie up a Parkhead move.

Ange Postecoglou wanted a right-back before the end of the window, and even though Couto turned down the chance to join the club, at least they will be getting one in Juranovic.

In other news: ‘I’m told’ – Anthony Joseph’s negative Celtic transfer update. 

Crystal Palace successfully kicked off life under new manager Patrick Vieira with a 1-0 win away to Walsall in pre-season on Saturday.

In a game of fine margins, the only goal was scored by Eagles talisman Wilfried Zaha. Rolling his marker, he then proceeded to exchange passes with youngster Rob Street before slotting past Carl Rushworth effortlessly [saddlers.co.uk].

Fielding a completely different team in both halves [cpfc.co.uk], Vieira was able to get an extensive look at the blend of experience and youth he has inherited at Selhurst Park for his first match in charge at the club.

Vieira’s side will travel to Portman Road next Saturday to face League One outfit Ipswich Town in their next pre-season outing.

In light of Saturday’s victory over Walsall, plenty of Crystal Palace diehards took to social media to revel in the result, albeit a friendly win over League Two opposition.

Crystal Palace fans react:

Replying to the club’s official Twitter account, here is how some fans summarised Saturday’s result and performance:

“Job done CPFC, we love you”

Credit: @weapon1982″I smell a European tour”Credit: @dougCPFC”Jake O’Brien has great potential”Credit: @FrancisCpfc”PAT VIEIRA’S RED BLUE ARMY”Credit: @S_J_C82″I’m all aboard the @OfficialVieira hype train”Credit: @jjhillwrites”Quite a good start to preseason, with some lookers in the second half with a new, young XI. So much to look forward to. Up the Palace! #cpfc”Credit: @raconteursaurusIn other news, Crystal Palace are keen on this La Liga ace.

According to a report in the paper edition of A Bola, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur are now in a seven-horse race to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The Lowdown: Spurs on the market…

Tottenham are arguably in need of a major summer overhaul if they’re going to compete for a spot in the Champions League next season under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Club managing director Fabio Paratici, despite just starting in his new role at the club, is said to have already commenced work long ago in this regard – with no shortage of players linked to Spurs.

One of them is Palhinha, especially after he briefly impressed with Portugal before they bowed out of Euro 2020.

The Latest: Tottenham now in seven-horse race…

Competition for the 25-year-old’s signature has significantly grown since his noteworthy performances for the national team.

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A Bola, bringing an update on Spurs’ pursuit of Palhinha, say that the Lilywhites now face competition from six other clubs – with seven teams in total, including the Lilywhites, all chasing him.

As well as Tottenham, Atalanta, Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Napoli are all in the race to sign Palhinha this summer.

Following this interest and his performances at Euro 2020, Sporting are now also said to want ‘way over’ €30 million (£25.8m) if they are to consider selling.

The Verdict: One to monitor…

Palhinha also shone over 2020/2021 for his club in Liga NOS, making a very impressive 3.3 tackles per 90 on average over 28 starts in defensive midfield.

This is an even better number than current Lilywhites colossus Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg managed in the Premier League, with the Dane averaging 2.6 challenges in the middle by comparison (WhoScored).

Sporting manager Ruben Amorim also waxed lyrical over Palhinha’s growth in Portugal, telling MaisFutebol (via Manchester News Today) that he is a ‘special player’.

Depending on the amount chairman Daniel Levy will have to pay for his signature, we believe he could be a very astute option this summer.

In other news: Tottenham negotiations already underway to sign this player, find out more here.

Fulham are interested in a deal to bring Harry Wilson to Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Goal, who claimed that the Cottagers are among a number of clubs keeping a close eye on the situation of the Liverpool winger ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

The report added that Jurgen Klopp is actively looking to sell the 24-year-old this summer, with the Reds believed to be demanding a fee in the region of €15m (£13m) in order to part with the Wales international.

Silva must move

With Wilson having impressed over a number of loan spells in the Championship in the past, the news that Marco Silva is plotting a move to make the winger his first signing for the club is no great surprise.

Indeed, during a spell at Hull City back in 2017/18, the £15.3m-rated man scored seven goals, registered three assists and created three big chances for his teammates over 14 Championship appearances. These returns saw the Welshman earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.25, ranking him as the Tigers’ second-best performer in the league.

Wilson was sent to Derby County the following year, where he scored an impressive 15 goals, provided three assists and created six big chances for his teammates over a total of 40 Championship fixtures. These metrics saw the £41,000-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.17, ranking him as the club’s best performer in the second tier of English football.

Most recently, the winger spent a season with Cardiff City, scoring seven goals, registering 11 assists and creating 11 big chances over 37 Championship appearances for Mick McCarthy’s side.

These returns saw the man Marcelo Bielsa dubbed an “exceptional” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as the Bluebirds’ second-best performer in the division last term.

As such, the addition of Wilson to Fulham would appear to greatly boost the Cottagers’ chances of securing an immediate return to the Premier League next year, leading us to believe that Silva should do all he can to get a deal over the line for the free kick specialist this summer.

In other news: Smyth drops transfer update on “immense” £9m-rated gem, Fulham fans should be buzzing